communication platform Archives

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

Top 35 Social Media Platforms (September 2024)

YouTube is the most popular social media platform with 3.9 billion monthly active users, followed by Facebook with 2.1 billion users. Telegram has experienced a 367% search growth with 30.4 million monthly Google searches. TikTok has seen a 733% search growth and has 83.1 million monthly Google searches. Xiaohongshu (RedNote) has a search growth of 99x+, with 450,000 monthly Google searches and reported a profit of million in 2023. Discord has a 188% search growth with 30.4 million monthly Google searches. WhatsApp has a 112% search growth and 151 million monthly Google searches. Reddit has a 140% search growth with 30.4 million monthly Google searches. Douyin, a Chinese video-sharing app, has a 733% search growth and 1 million monthly Google searches.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Modern Discord hacked into Windows 95 and 98, slimmed down version keeps core functionality intact

A developer known as IProgramInCpp has backported Discord to Windows 95 and Windows 98 Second Edition, creating a version called Discord Messenger. This backport retains essential messaging functionalities such as direct messages, server interactions, image uploads, message editing, typing indicators, server member lists, and untrusted URL indicators. However, it lacks features like the friend list, dark mode, and voice channel capabilities, with voice call support being particularly challenging to integrate. The application runs on Windows 98 SE and Windows XP SP2, but may not appeal to users on modern systems. Caution is advised as using a custom Discord client may violate the platform's terms of service, especially since certain features are omitted to avoid spam detection.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Meta ‘removes LGBTQ+ Pride themes from Facebook Messenger app’

Meta has removed Pride and LGBTQ+ themes from Facebook Messenger, which included color schemes reflecting the pride flags of transgender and non-binary identities. These themes were initially introduced in 2021 and 2022 for Pride Month. The company's recent changes to hate speech policies now allow users to label queer individuals as “mentally ill,” leading to backlash and internal chaos among employees, some of whom have taken sick leave. Reports indicate that employees are seeking clarification on the policy changes, which diverge from established scientific consensus. A member of Meta's policy team stated the revisions aim to correct overly restrictive rules while reaffirming the company's core value of free expression, even if it means allowing offensive content.

Winsage

September 28, 2024

Fresh deadline for millions of Windows 10 users: Update your PC or brace for new block from Microsoft

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, with a deadline of January 15, 2025, for older versions to access Microsoft Teams. Users with unsupported versions will receive notifications to upgrade, as those running Windows 10 versions older than 21H2 will be blocked from using Teams. Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 at a cost, with pricing set at £48.19 for the first year, £96.39 for the second year, and £192.78 for the third year. This option extends support until the end of 2028 but is primarily aimed at enterprise users, with details for average users to be announced later. Currently, Windows 10 has about twice as many users as Windows 11.

AppWizard

September 20, 2024

International Raids Shut Down Ghost Encrypted Messaging App

Law enforcement agencies from multiple countries executed an operation that dismantled Ghost, an encrypted messaging service used by criminal organizations, resulting in 51 arrests and the confiscation of over .1 million in assets. The alleged creator and administrator of Ghost, a 32-year-old Australian citizen, was among those arrested. The operation led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), in collaboration with international agencies, also resulted in the shutdown of a drug lab in Australia and the seizure of weapons and narcotics. Ghost was developed nine years ago and marketed exclusively to criminals, allowing secure communication via modified mobile phones sold for about ,350. The app featured advanced security measures, including self-destructing messages and multiple encryption standards. It facilitated communications for large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering, with around 1,000 messages exchanged daily. Law enforcement began investigating Ghost in 2022, leading to a task force that identified key suppliers and users. The operation, conducted between September 17 and 18, resulted in 38 arrests in Australia, 11 in Ireland, and one each in Canada and Italy. The alleged mastermind faces multiple criminal charges. Ongoing law enforcement actions against encrypted messaging services are causing a shift in criminal communication strategies, leading to a fragmented messaging landscape and presenting challenges for law enforcement.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

How the AFP cracked criminal messaging app ‘Ghost’

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched Operation Kraken, mobilizing up to 700 officers for coordinated raids targeting a 32-year-old man, Jay Je Yoon Jung, alleged to have created an encrypted communication platform called 'Ghost' used by organized crime. The operation involved pre-dawn raids, with a focus on Jung's residence in Narwee, Sydney, where flashbangs were used. Jung faces serious charges, including supporting a criminal organization and dealing in identification information. The Ghost app, marketed as 'tamper-proof', attracted criminal clients such as the Hell's Angels. The AFP has monitored over 125,000 messages on the platform, resulting in 46 arrests and the prevention of 50 threats to life. They seized over 210 kilograms of illicit drugs, 26 weapons, and million in cash during the operation. The AFP's technical team developed methods to access devices linked to Ghost, enabling them to gather real-time intelligence. Operation Kraken follows the successful Operation Ironside against another encrypted messaging platform, ANOM, enhancing the AFP's capability to combat organized crime and share intelligence internationally.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

No messaging app is reliable Kremlin

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian presidential administration does not use messenger applications for official correspondence due to information security concerns. He emphasized that "no messenger is reliable" for safeguarding sensitive communications. Peskov denied rumors that officials were directed to delete messages for security reasons. This statement follows the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France, who faces preliminary charges related to illegal activities on his platform. The Kremlin has not commented extensively on Durov's arrest, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that the situation underscores Telegram's security. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Durov's detention is part of an ongoing judicial investigation and not politically motivated. Telegram has denied any wrongdoing, asserting compliance with EU regulations. The incident has drawn criticism from various leaders, viewing the arrest as an infringement on free speech.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Telegram: How the app defies calls for hate censorship

Telegram Messenger is a communication platform used by over 800 million active monthly users as of early 2024. It offers free instant messaging, file sharing, and features like end-to-end encryption for calls, unlimited cloud storage, and large group capacities. In 2022, Telegram introduced a paid subscription model for enhanced features, while assuring users that private messaging will remain free of ads. Founded in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov, the company has faced scrutiny due to its limited content moderation and the recent arrest of CEO Pavel Durov on August 24, 2023, possibly related to compliance with EU regulations. Telegram is popular in countries like India, Russia, and Indonesia but faces restrictions in others. The company's encryption methods are proprietary and not independently verified, raising concerns about user privacy. Telegram's development team is currently based in Dubai, and the company is open to relocating if necessary.

AppWizard

August 26, 2024

Telegram arrest: Who is Pavel Durov and what is his app?

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has been arrested in France and is under investigation by the national cyber-crime unit and the national fraud office for alleged offenses related to activities on the Telegram platform. Durov, a multi-billionaire entrepreneur from Russia, is the founder of VKontakte and launched Telegram in 2015 after leaving Russia. He holds citizenship in the UAE and France and frequently travels throughout Europe. Telegram has 950 million monthly active users and is popular in regions like Russia and Ukraine. The platform allows large group sizes, facilitating the spread of disinformation, and has faced criticism for hosting extremist content. Following Durov's arrest, prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Edward Snowden expressed their support, with Snowden calling the arrest an infringement on human rights. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the situation is a judicial matter, not a political decision.

AppWizard

July 30, 2024

Pakistan says its own messaging app for secure comms among officials is ready to launch

Pakistani engineers have developed a secure messaging application called "beep" for official use, which has completed trial runs since 2023 and is awaiting government approval for launch. The app enables secure exchanges of text, audio, video, and conference calls, requiring an internet connection. The development comes amid ongoing social media restrictions and internet shutdowns in Pakistan, especially following the violent parliamentary elections on February 8, which faced allegations of vote rigging. Research indicates that Pakistan imposed five internet restrictions during and after the elections, affecting communication among officials and the public, particularly in Baluchistan. The app aims to provide a safer communication platform for officials in this challenging environment.